Segmented Tubular Planter Device for Root Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planter devices fail to create a hole of the necessary size for seedling introduction without damaging the roots, and often result in the seedling getting stuck or requiring expensive biodegradable containers.
Innovation Solution
A planter device with a tubular body formed by two elongated elements having a U-shaped cross section, a pointed closed end, and an actuating mechanism with a deformable parallelogram structure, allowing for controlled opening and closing to safely insert and release the seedling, optionally with motor assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large hole is dug to contain the plant, then the plant can be introduced safely, but the hole becomes too large and damages the roots
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular body is divided into two separable elements that can be brought together to form a complete tube for inserting into the ground, then separated to release the plant. This segmentation allows the hole to be exactly the size of the tube, preventing root damage while ensuring safe plant introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elements are made movable relative to each other through the actuating mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment between the closed tubular configuration (for insertion) and the opened configuration (for plant release). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by adapting the structure to different operational phases.
2Reliability
If a tubular device is used to make a precise hole, then root damage is prevented, but the plant may get stuck in the tube and cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tubular body into two elements that can separate from each other, the invention enables the plant to be released by spreading the elements apart, eliminating the sticking problem while maintaining the protective tubular structure during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to extract the plant from the tube by pulling, the invention inverts the approach by expanding the tube itself (separating the elements) to release the plant, making extraction easier and more reliable.
3Reliability
If biodegradable containers are used to enclose each plant, then safe introduction is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the ground itself as the containment structure by forming a precise hole in situ, eliminating the need for separate biodegradable containers. The tubular body temporarily serves as the containment during insertion, then releases the plant into the pre-formed hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from using external containers to using a mechanically formed hole with precise dimensions, altering the parameter of how plant containment is achieved from material-based to geometry-based, thereby reducing costs.
4Device complexity
If a simple dibbler is used to make a hole, then the device is simple, but it cannot create a hole of the necessary size without damaging roots
Solution Approach 1:
The dibbler is segmented into two elements that form a complete tubular structure when brought together, allowing it to create a hole of precise, adequate size for root protection while maintaining relative structural simplicity through the use of basic mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The two separate elements are combined to form a complete tubular body that provides adequate hole formation capability, merging the functions of hole creation and plant containment into a single operational sequence without requiring complex mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a planter device comprising a body (1), at least part of which is tubular and intended to contain the plant to be planted, said planter device being formed by bringing together two elongate elements (10, 11) that have, on the tubular portion, a U-shaped cross-section. One body end (12), which is also the end of the tubular portion, is closed and shaped into a tip while the other end is supported by a mechanism (2) for actuating elements (10, 11) that move together and away from each other while handles (20, 21) are designed to enable the device to be supported so as to implant the tubular portion, by the tip thereof, into the ground. Said handles (20, 21) are moreover designed to be able to control the mechanism (2), when open, so as to enable the plant to be placed into said tubular body or to release the plant into the ground after sinking the tubular portion therein.